General Chat Thread - For Those That Love Craic

Dekkers · 04-09-2014 8:29pm

Timetravel wrote: »

Cheers dekkers, trying not to speculate too much about numbers but like to have an idea lol

It's hard not to think about what the chances are!

Ps: where did you read that if you don't mind me asking?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-29064243

No probs. Always nice to have some sort of light in the dark ha.

Just near the pic of recruits in that article it says 378

Timetravel · 04-09-2014 8:37pm

Favourite part of that article: "There has been speculation that the PSNI may have to stop or substantially reduce its current recruitment process.

Mr Hamilton made it clear that this would be "the absolute last option"."

Second favourite part of that article: "It recruited 100 new officers last year, and plans to recruit a further 378 this financial year and the same number the following year."

Dekkers · 04-09-2014 8:49pm

Timetravel wrote: »

Favourite part of that article: "There has been speculation that the PSNI may have to stop or substantially reduce its current recruitment process.

Mr Hamilton made it clear that this would be "the absolute last option"."

Second favourite part of that article: "It recruited 100 new officers last year, and plans to recruit a further 378 this financial year and the same number the following year."

Yep. It also says theyre losing 200 officers a year. Recruitment should be fairly routine now, even at 378 a year its barely plugging the hole. It seems money has been ring fenced for recruitment with most of the cuts coming HET's way.

Fantastic to hear himself point this out and affirm that the priority is the present and not the past.

Timetravel · 04-09-2014 9:04pm

Dekkers wrote: »

Yep. It also says theyre losing 200 officers a year. Recruitment should be fairly routine now, even at 378 a year its barely plugging the hole. It seems money has been ring fenced for recruitment with most of the cuts coming HET's way.

Fantastic to hear himself point this out and affirm that the priority is the present and not the past.

Yeah hopefully he doesn't go back on his word now! It'll make it easier when i get the better luck next time email after AC! Lol

On a side note theres a lot of names that were floating about here before recruitment opened for 1309 that have disappeared!

Dekkers · 04-09-2014 9:13pm

Timetravel wrote: »

Yeah hopefully he doesn't go back on his word now! It'll make it easier when i get the better luck next time email after AC! Lol

On a side note theres a lot of names that were floating about here before recruitment opened for 1309 that have disappeared!

Yeah there is lol been v quiet the past few months! Think a lot who were unsuccessful in 2013 will be taking a more relaxed view on 2014 recruitment so wont be so active this time, id say. Quite a few who get in close their accounts too!

Timetravel · 04-09-2014 9:25pm

Dekkers wrote: »

Yeah there is lol been v quiet the past few months! Think a lot who were unsuccessful in 2013 will be taking a more relaxed view on 2014 recruitment so wont be so active this time, id say. Quite a few who get in close their accounts too!

I was trying to stay away too lol it's addictive! I don't really mind spending a bit of time on here during the waiting and results periods but I'll take some time out before the AC.

Should try and keep this thread alive too as it stops all the rubbish posts in the other ones!

Dekkers · 04-09-2014 9:31pm

Timetravel wrote: »

I was trying to stay away too lol it's addictive! I don't really mind spending a bit of time on here during the waiting and results periods but I'll take some time out before the AC.

Should try and keep this thread alive too as it stops all the rubbish posts in the other ones!

Lol I know. I'll probably be leaving myself soon for exactly that reason. Its torture being on here at times lol.

Did you get to AC last time?

Timetravel · 04-09-2014 9:39pm

Dekkers wrote: »

Lol I know. I'll probably be leaving myself soon for exactly that reason. Its torture being on here at times lol.

Did you get to AC last time?

Are you in both campaigns? I failed IST by one point last time so missed out!

Dekkers · 04-09-2014 9:41pm

Timetravel wrote: »

Are you in both campaigns? I failed IST by one point last time so missed out!

I am yeah. Scored 60 in IST this time. Awaiting call for 2013 atm so hopefully wont need to go to that AC ha.

Tough luck. Mustve been tough. Least youre back stronger this time

Timetravel · 04-09-2014 9:46pm

Dekkers wrote: »

I am yeah. Scored 60 in IST this time. Awaiting call for 2013 atm so hopefully wont need to go to that AC ha.

Tough luck. Mustve been tough. Least youre back stronger this time

That's good! You couldn't really be in a better position lol when you get that far do you know where abouts your at on the merit list or are you kept in the dark?

You were taking no chances with the IST hi, 60 is some score! lol I managed to get 57 and though I was doing well haha

Dekkers · 04-09-2014 10:05pm

Timetravel wrote: »

That's good! You couldn't really be in a better position lol when you get that far do you know where abouts your at on the merit list or are you kept in the dark?

You were taking no chances with the IST hi, 60 is some score! lol I managed to get 57 and though I was doing well haha

Thats what ye can do with the pressure off lol I knew that would happen ffs

Yeah mate we're completely in dark (apart from boards of course). I've fingers crossed for next call and realistically, am in with a good shout.

Timetravel · 04-09-2014 10:18pm

Dekkers wrote: »

Thats what ye can do with the pressure off lol I knew that would happen ffs

Yeah mate we're completely in dark (apart from boards of course). I've fingers crossed for next call and realistically, am in with a good shout.

Ha that's it. Crap that you don't know but I suppose on here is a good indicator! I'm sure you'll not have too long to wait! Good luck

LadyVernal · 05-09-2014 9:11am

Dekkers wrote: »

I am yeah. Scored 60 in IST this time. Awaiting call for 2013 atm so hopefully wont need to go to that AC ha.

Tough luck. Mustve been tough. Least youre back stronger this time

I am in the same position as you - 60 in this years IST, awaiting 2013 call.

JMcClane · 15-09-2014 10:52pm

Just watched a news report on UTV about budget cuts in the PSNI.

Does anyone think this would have any impact on current or future recruitment?

DesertCreat_15 · 15-09-2014 11:31pm

Here's the news story
http://www.u.tv/News/Full-extent-of-PSNI-cuts-revealed/d967879b-de05-432a-881f-8e638b59f55e

Hard to know what will happen, the next drive in January could very well be axed.

Goonerdee · 16-09-2014 3:35am

Not liking this part:

The PSNI will have to scale back even more, starting from April next year - with possible savings of up to £55m and that doesn't include an estimated shortfall.

If that happens, the current level of neighbourhood policing would be unsustainable, the HET would be wound up, and there would be no recruitment of civilians or new officers.

In fact, there could be more job losses.

.S. · 16-09-2014 12:48pm

I find it crazy that looking at the number of deaths on the roads, hate crimes, ongoing protests etc that they can even consider cutting the budget. How are these things meant to improve with less money, less resources and less officers? I don't envy George Hamilton.

monty46 · 29-09-2014 10:12pm

Interesting show on channel 4 there 24 hours in custody. Watching it on +1 now. A good insight into other aspects of the job

pastiesupper · 30-09-2014 11:44am

Looks like some cuts have started..... Civilian contract roles only.

PSNI cuts 300 jobs and axes Historical Enquiries Team

The PSNI is axing 300 jobs due to Government budget cuts - which means the end of the Historical Enquiries Team.

The force has given notification to their contracted employment agency, Grafton, that they will not extend their contract beyond December 31.

The decision means all temporary workers employed under the contract will not have their positions renewed beyond that date.

Over 300 posts in a range of different disciplines are affected across the organisation, including the Historical Enquiries Team (HET).

The decision follows confirmation from the Department of Justice that the PSNI are now required to make a further 7% in year cut, equating to just over £50 million. These savings have to be made over a period of six months.

Deputy Chief Constable Alistair Finlay said: "Today’s news will have an impact on a large number of people. It’s not a pleasant situation to be in.

"While this is a difficult decision, it is a necessary one. We simply cannot engage the services of people that we cannot afford.

"With cuts of this magnitude, as a Police Service, our immediate obligations must be towards keeping people safe today. The loss of these posts by the end of the year will effectively mean the closure of HET.

"In the last number of weeks, we have made it clear that the current financial challenges would mean there would be change in how PSNI responds to the demands of the past and the pace at which we can service the demand.

"The PSNI understands the importance of dealing with past and that a huge deal of hurt and pain continues for the many people affected by our troubled history. If we are to achieve a safe, confident and peaceful society, dealing with the past is an issue that our society must address. However, achieving a solution lies well beyond the remit of policing.”

Mr Finlay added: “As a Police Service, we will continue to meet our legislative responsibilities with regards to the past. This includes investigations where there is new and compelling evidence; as well as our responsibilities in responding to the requirements of coronial inquests.”

“It is anticipated that we will form a much smaller Legacy Investigations Branch. In recent weeks we have met with the Policing Board to discuss this challenge and we will continue to work with them as we progress the issue.”

Mr Finlay concluded: “What is clear is that we cannot afford to do all that we currently do and some of what we do will take longer to achieve.”

See Belfast Telegraph website for this article - I can't post the link for some reason

Goonerdee · 30-09-2014 2:52pm

I am getting nervous, can't let that news distract me during the AC!

Dekkers · 01-10-2014 11:25am

The NCA are recruiting too folks if anyones that way inclined or has missed out on PSNI recently.
http://www.ncacareers.com/

Goonerdee · 02-10-2014 12:52am

Next year's recruitment campaign is axed!

MissWillow12 · 10-10-2014 2:44pm

Congratulations to those who graduated today. Only 5 females quite surprised at that.
http://www.psni.police.uk/chief_constable_george_hamilton_congratulates_new_police_officers_10_10_14

monty46 · 10-10-2014 2:53pm

Maybe an indication of numbers but if anyone follows police federation ni on twitter they have wrote "our treasurer had the honour and great priviledge today to attend the graduating and passing out parade of squad 1/14"

HighburyLad · 10-10-2014 3:00pm

Flip me it's been 22 weeks already since the first squad went in, that's scary lol, congrats to those who passed out

canuck_copper · 10-10-2014 3:41pm

monty46 wrote: »

Maybe an indication of numbers but if anyone follows police federation ni on twitter they have wrote "our treasurer had the honour and great priviledge today to attend the graduating and passing out parade of squad 1/14"

Yeah i seen that...how many squads are in right now?

Mop a top · 10-10-2014 5:56pm

canuck_copper wrote: »

Yeah i seen that...how many squads are in right now?

5 as far as I know, 6th one in at the end oct/start nov if my counting is correct

LadyVernal · 10-10-2014 9:15pm

monty46 wrote: »

Maybe an indication of numbers but if anyone follows police federation ni on twitter they have wrote "our treasurer had the honour and great priviledge today to attend the graduating and passing out parade of squad 1/14"

I am almost sure the 14 stands for the year 2014. I don't think there will be that many squads. 42 in my squad, I am intake 6. I am thinking there wil be around 9 intakes for the 1309 recuitment

wannabegard · 11-10-2014 1:04am

Well lads.
Unfortunatly i didnt get through the latest campaign. However im starting to prepare for the next campaign and im after coming across this site <mod snip> who apparently provides practice tests and online for all the uk forces. They charge 79 pounds for 1 years access which is about 100 euros for me cause im from the south.
Has anyone gone to these guys and would ye recommend them?
Cheers

200WattWarlock · 18-10-2014 12:13am

I've been lurking here for a long long time, and since I've only got vetting and SMT to make their minds up, I thought I'd say hello.

So, hello all.

Love the GV list Shield, already started collecting bits and pieces

As all the training I've done to this point has told me that you have to believe that you will succeed to actually succeed, I'll be happy to meet some of you in GV in the near future.

Oh, and wannabegard, 20 quid gets you a standard UK Police test book that should cover all IST and basic stuff, (not all the same format, but close enough to get your mind in the right gear) including report writing etc... paying for a years subscription to an online course seems unnecessary, if not a scam.

Homer01 · 22-10-2014 9:41pm

Why do some people instantly close their account here when they get into GV?
'Thanks for everything, so long suckers!!'??

IF I were to get in then obviously time to post would be limited but to close your account immediately just seems rude to me.

Where would we be without the Shields, Testarossas or Notbrazils (and many more) of this world? Their knowledge and advice have helped most on here otherwise we'd be literally p!$$ing in the wind.

Please don't close your account; do your training, complete your probation and maybe come back someday and help some other newbie embarking on this madcap process

.S. · 22-10-2014 9:58pm

I see your point, there are a few peeps who I think about, wonder how they got on, and agree shield/testarossa et all are worth their weight in gold. Just imagine the new recruits have their reasons and we can make the most of the great advise we still do get on here :-)

23-10-2014 12:56am

Homer01 wrote: »

Why do some people instantly close their account here when they get into GV?
'Thanks for everything, so long suckers!!'??

IF I were to get in then obviously time to post would be limited but to close your account immediately just seems rude to me.

Where would we be without the Shields, Testarossas or Notbrazils (and many more) of this world? Their knowledge and advice have helped most on here otherwise we'd be literally p!$$ing in the wind.

Please don't close your account; do your training, complete your probation and maybe come back someday and help some other newbie embarking on this madcap process

Ta dude. I stayed on here because I think that anyone who is dedicated enough to a job to scour the Internet for help getting said job at least deserves a wee bitta help getting it. I know that when I was applying this site was the Mecca for info and support. As you said, it's more than a bit douchey to use it, for it to help you, and then blank it once you're in.

As long as you aren't giving out information that could compromise security, I see no reason for folks who are in to not give help to those who aren't.

Mop a top · 23-10-2014 10:59pm

I'll be going no where after I get that call. Feeling very mother hen to some on boards who either got in or who are trying again as well as those still on here. I think the not knowing is the worst part of applying so it's good to share experiences, a problem shared and all that lol!!

wannabegard · 26-10-2014 12:49am

Lads whats the story with cuts to policing. I saw an article there that recruitment for the new year has been shelved and temp staff are being let go. Whats going on? Is there going to be recruitment in January?

Tim89 · 26-10-2014 4:16am

wannabegard wrote: »

Lads whats the story with cuts to policing. I saw an article there that recruitment for the new year has been shelved and temp staff are being let go. Whats going on? Is there going to be recruitment in January?

No fresh recruitment drive.

.S. · 26-10-2014 9:01am

The current recruitment (at ac stage) and last years recruitment will be the only recruitment for the foreseeable. Next years planned recruitment won't happen. This years intakes will be lesser and slower than last years.

HighburyLad · 26-10-2014 10:34am

I read this a couple of weeks ago and it says a good bit on recruitment...

http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/Assembly-Business/Official-Report/Committee-Minutes-of-Evidence/Session-2014-2015/October-2014/PSNI-Budget-Police-Service-of-Northern-Ireland/

This took place though, prior the extra budget funding that was loaned so whether this still applies regarding the second campaign I dunno, but reading that could mean this second campaign, worse case scenario, could only generate 180 officers but again I'm not sure what to make out of it, and as I said this was prior to the extra budget loaned out and as far as I remember the DOJ will get an extra 30 mil, another dampner is the prison service is going through hell at the moment and facing a staffing crisis, so they could get a bit of money from the extra budget, rather than most of it going to to the PSNI as a few articles in the media had suggested.

One consolation is that I have heard from a good source that most of the extra funding loaned will apparently go straight to new officers, so I'm hoping what's reflected in that minutes of evidence on the ni assembly website there is altered now because that was prior this new funding. The job we're all dreaming of here has dramatically changed in such a short period of time, hopefully as always time will tell. As much as I want this job more than anything, I'm being pragmatic and practical about it, it's never guaranteed but it's becoming less so now, all anyone can do is try their hardest at the AC and take it from there.

wannabegard · 26-10-2014 10:39am

What does the ac involve. Is is an interview based assessment or role play assessment? Its kinda funny actually because garda recruitment is starting to come back again. All the staff in templemore have been transferred back and there are going to be more intakes in 2015! I might not have to move up at all!

wanadrum · 02-11-2014 6:50pm

I kept mine open, but haven't had much time to read posts never mind write any.

If anyone wants help or advice pm me and I will do my best.

In my opinion it is well worth all of the time and effort to get in and out of hotel GV, I'm glad to say!

.S. · 02-11-2014 8:03pm

Glad alls going well Wanadrum, been wondering how you've been getting on!

valor rorghulis · 03-11-2014 3:06pm

Supposedly the UK economy is booming to the extent the EU are asking them to contribute an extra 2billion to EU funding

So anyone any thoughts on why the PSNI are being forced to make cuts to the the service, as described by the chief constable as to make it "unrecognisable"?

.S. · 03-11-2014 3:11pm

http://m.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-29881062

No surprises there... Desert creat most likely not going ahead

Homer01 · 03-11-2014 7:15pm

.S. wrote: »

http://m.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-29881062

No surprises there... Desert creat most likely not going ahead

Saw that. I can't believe they thought it would be ready for 2008!!

Fantastic idea but it seems internal politics got involved. Everyone wanted but no one wanted to pay for it

pb82 · 08-11-2014 2:41pm

Homer01 wrote: »

Saw that. I can't believe they thought it would be ready for 2008!!

Fantastic idea but it seems internal politics got involved. Everyone wanted but no one wanted to pay for it

The Prison service don't really do enough training to warrant it

The fire service don't want to be associated with psni or nips as they don't want to become targets

Such a waste of money

Goonerdee · 17-12-2014 1:58am

Does anyone know of someone with an AC score in the low 60s getting into Hotel GV?

pb82 · 17-12-2014 8:27am

Goonerdee wrote: »

Does anyone know of someone with an AC score in the low 60s getting into Hotel GV?

65's and 64's are in intake 8

As far as I know the rest of the low 60's have all completed the pca and are doing the medical

Sthm · 17-12-2014 9:29am

I'm still in campaign one with a low 60. Without divulging the exact score, it's a couple or so below 64. Completed all the last stages this month.

Chances all depend on rates of attrition (non-attendance, withdrawl or fail) of those in front of you through the final stages. The attrition rate in campaign one was apparently around 50% - that was a figure from someone in HR and not just speculation. Batches are phased through the final stages until the maximum number of appointments have been made. Therefore, it depends on the candidates in front of you as to whether you'll fall into the appointable band.

Trying to be tactful with the above. All I can say is that I've been there and still am, so don't feel too disheartened. I received AC results last campaign in March and only received vetting forms in September. It can take some time if you're further down the list, but youll get used to it in this process!

Rj408 · 17-12-2014 11:10am

Lots of politics being played on the hill, in Westminster and by the CC about numbers and recruitment etc. We will all just have to wait and see what happens. The reality is we do not have the numbers required to police our streets in an effective manner, the rate of attrition is higher than those officers we are recruiting at the moment and the dissident republican threat is on the up. We are not in 'Peace time' Northern Ireland. A deeply divided society.... we NEED a stable, healthy police force.

Goonerdee · 18-12-2014 11:21pm

Did I read that there is an announcement by the Chief Constable tomorrow? I' e tried to find where it was written, but either I can't see it or that wasn't said at all!

General Chat Thread - For Those That Love Craic

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